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The leasing consultant is the first representative of any residential property that a potential tenant encounters. When the future resident inquires about the features of an apartment or condo and the terms to lease it, the leasing consultant needs to be up to speed on all the information and physically show places to people. The position requires characteristics of interacting well with people, being independent, solving problems and persuasiveness in selling.

Human Relations

Being a leasing consultant means dealing with the public on a regular basis. Interpersonal skills are a critical aspect of characteristics necessary for the job. Leasing consultants must be friendly, welcoming, personable, and comfortable talking with people. They must also be excellent communicators to relay detailed information in a clear manner, as much of their job involves speaking either on the phone or in person and answering questions.

Independence

Leasing consultants must have the characteristic of independence because they spend a lot of time during their work day being self-directed. When a potential lessee walks into the leasing office, the consultant has to be ready to take the reins and show places to the person. This often involves hopping on a golf cart to drive to many apartments and showrooms in a day. Leasing consultants are more likely to be the only one representing the company on-site at any given time, so they must be comfortable with this degree of autonomy.

Problem Solving

A leasing consultant is in the job of providing a home for someone looking to rent a place to live, and must solve the renter's problem of discerning between the must-haves and the prefer-to-haves when it comes to the specifications of a residence. The leasing consultant must be able to compare the renter's wants and needs to the properties that are actually available. Dimensions and layouts, amenities, and costs all must be matched so that the leasing consultant succeeds at getting a tenant to sign a lease. Being solution-oriented helps the leasing consultant make this happen -- which also involves being knowledgeable and organized, such as with the large amount of paperwork involved in preparing a lease.

Sales Ability

The leasing consultant needs selling ability to convince people of the benefits of leasing. This involves the art of persuasion. Part of being able to convince a potential tenant to rent a property is selling the person with an image of the community brand and the property management company that runs it. This image must be one of competence, professionalism and reliability, as well as any other image befitting of the community where the resident would live.

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About the Author

Anna Windermere started her writing and editing career in 1993, upon graduating from the University of Florida's esteemed journalism school with a bachelor's in journalism. Ms. Windermere, a senior-level copy editor, has appeared in mastheads of newspapers and magazines as copy chief, writer and proofreader, including "Sun-Sentinel," "Miami Herald," "City Link," "New Times," "NewBeauty," "Luxe," "Florida Alligator," "Orange & Blue," and more.